title: Can participation in documentation influence experiences of involvement in care decision-making?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients have the right to influence the care they receive, but their wish to participate in care decision-making is unclear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigates whether participation in nursing documentation influences patient participation in care decision-making, mastery, self-esteem, empowerment and depressive feelings among adult in-patients with chronic disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult patients (n=39) with chronic diseases were randomized. The intervention group participated in nursing documentation. Upon departure, patients filled in questionnaires about participation in care decision-making, mastery, self-esteem, empowerment and depressive feelings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the patients preferred a collaborative or passive role regarding care decision-making. Lack of knowledge was one reason for non-participation. Having been diagnosed more than five years previously meant stronger empowerment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is a challenge for nurses to find strategies to assess patients' wishes regarding participation in care decision-making. Nurses must support patients' knowledge of their disease and empowerment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, County Council of Östergötland, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vestala
authors.forename: Gunilla Hollman
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Frisman
keywords: Care decision-making; empowerment; knowledge; nursing documentation; participation; well-being.